This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7146957.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
SNP's random rail search concerns | SNP's random rail search concerns |
(about 7 hours later) | |
Scotland's justice secretary has expressed deep concern at the number of people and vehicles searched by British Transport Police in Scotland. | Scotland's justice secretary has expressed deep concern at the number of people and vehicles searched by British Transport Police in Scotland. |
More than 14,000 have been stopped and searched at train stations since July. | More than 14,000 have been stopped and searched at train stations since July. |
Kenny MacAskill told BBC Scotland he had anecdotal evidence that people going about their business had been "pulled aside and interrogated". | Kenny MacAskill told BBC Scotland he had anecdotal evidence that people going about their business had been "pulled aside and interrogated". |
The authorities said the searches were carried out to make an attack on the railways as difficult as possible. | The authorities said the searches were carried out to make an attack on the railways as difficult as possible. |
The stop and search powers had rarely been used before the terrorist attack on Glasgow Airport in June and, of those stopped at railway stations, 12% were from ethnic minorities. | |
I've certainly had anecdotal evidence, including members of staff, of people going about their work, being pulled aside and interrogated Kenny MacAskillScottish Justice Secretary | I've certainly had anecdotal evidence, including members of staff, of people going about their work, being pulled aside and interrogated Kenny MacAskillScottish Justice Secretary |
But the transport police, who are the responsibility of the UK government, said all searches were random. | But the transport police, who are the responsibility of the UK government, said all searches were random. |
Transport officers stopped 9,994 people and searched 4,636 vehicles at train stations across Scotland between 1 July and 14 December, according to the official figures. | Transport officers stopped 9,994 people and searched 4,636 vehicles at train stations across Scotland between 1 July and 14 December, according to the official figures. |
They can do so at random, under anti-terrorism legislation. | They can do so at random, under anti-terrorism legislation. |
By contrast, Scotland's eight police forces have stopped and searched just 84 people and 51 vehicles between them in 2007. | By contrast, Scotland's eight police forces have stopped and searched just 84 people and 51 vehicles between them in 2007. |
Mr MacAskill told BBC Scotland's Politics Show: "I think you have to get the balance right and it would certainly appear to me that things are out of kilter." | Mr MacAskill told BBC Scotland's Politics Show: "I think you have to get the balance right and it would certainly appear to me that things are out of kilter." |
"Whether your forefathers fought at the Battle of Bannockburn or whether they've come from the Indian sub-continent, or south of the border, if you're behaving by the law, you're entitled to be treated with respect - not to be routinely stopped, harassed, and investigated. | "Whether your forefathers fought at the Battle of Bannockburn or whether they've come from the Indian sub-continent, or south of the border, if you're behaving by the law, you're entitled to be treated with respect - not to be routinely stopped, harassed, and investigated. |
'Remain vigilant' | 'Remain vigilant' |
The justice secretary went on: "I've certainly had anecdotal evidence, including members of staff, of people going about their work, being pulled aside and interrogated. That seems to me to be unacceptable." | The justice secretary went on: "I've certainly had anecdotal evidence, including members of staff, of people going about their work, being pulled aside and interrogated. That seems to me to be unacceptable." |
"14,000 searches, not over the space of a year. That was since July. It's a period of approximately four months [and] is something that deeply, deeply troubles me." | "14,000 searches, not over the space of a year. That was since July. It's a period of approximately four months [and] is something that deeply, deeply troubles me." |
Mr MacAskill, who said he was planning to hold a meeting with the British Transport Police, said: "If there is a specific threat to a Scottish railway station - that is something that has not been shared with the Scottish Government or the Scottish police officers. | Mr MacAskill, who said he was planning to hold a meeting with the British Transport Police, said: "If there is a specific threat to a Scottish railway station - that is something that has not been shared with the Scottish Government or the Scottish police officers. |
"I think that British Transport Police have to account for themselves if that is the situation." | "I think that British Transport Police have to account for themselves if that is the situation." |
The British Transport Police said the checks aimed to disrupt possible terrorist activity and provide visible reassurance to the travelling public. | The British Transport Police said the checks aimed to disrupt possible terrorist activity and provide visible reassurance to the travelling public. |
A spokesman added: "The terrorist threat remains high nationally and it is important that the police and public alike remain vigilant against possible terrorist activity." | A spokesman added: "The terrorist threat remains high nationally and it is important that the police and public alike remain vigilant against possible terrorist activity." |
In 2006/07, British Transport Police officers carried out 30,000 stops throughout England, Scotland and Wales. | In 2006/07, British Transport Police officers carried out 30,000 stops throughout England, Scotland and Wales. |
Previous version
1
Next version